Farrah Fawcett Documentary May Highlight Son’s Drug Addiction
After Farrah Fawcett’s death last year, her ex-husband and long time friend and partner, Ryan O’Neal, is making a documentary about the star. His hope is to feature her son, Redmond O’Neal, who has famously struggled with drug addiction and is currently incarcerated for crimes associated with his addiction.
Drug Addiction as a Focus of Farrah Fawcett Documentary
Because so many have made TV specials and written books and articles about the former Charlie’s Angel, Ryan O’Neal’s documentary will focus on what happened after Farrah died of cancer in June of 2008. He outlined the plans for his project and said, “We plan to focus on three main areas of her legacy: her art – namely her films and her sculptures – her inspirational battle with cancer; and the light of her life, our son Redmond, who is now fighting to reclaim himself in honor of his mother.”
The “reclamation” of Redmond that Ryan refers to his attempts to let go of his drug addiction and get his life back on track. Currently, Redmond is in a residential drug addiction treatment facility in Pasadena due to a court order transferring him from a prison to drug rehab.
Ryan also says that the documentary will include “an original, never-aired 2005 interview with never-before-seen footage from our private collection of home movies.”
A Family’s History of Drug Abuse and Addiction
Ryan and Redmond have had a rocky father-son relationship. The two of them were arrested in 2008 when crystal meth was found in Ryan’s home. Ryan claimed at first that he had no knowledge or the drugs in his home but later pled guilty to drug possession. He was given 18 months of drug counseling and treatment. Redmond went back to jail, though he was allowed out to visit his dying mother.
Redmond writes from prison: “My plan is to go back with a new attitude and leave my old ideas behind. I am committed to doing this thing.”
Helping A Family Member Break Free from Drug Addiction
Though it is possible to interpret Redmond’s interest in his son’s wellbeing as mercenary since it comes with a desire to create a documentary, one can also see the benefit this attention and exposure might bring to Redmond. Many who are living with drug and alcohol addiction feel abandoned by their families and, depending upon the personal relationship between the two men, this could actually be the catalyst that brings them closer.
Additionally, when we are held accountable for our actions and announce our goals publicly, no matter what they are, we tend to do better as we work to achieve them. Failure in private is far less scary than public failure, and with cameras following him around, Redmond may be less inclined to slip or relapse, which may ultimately benefit him and help him remain clean and sober.
If you would like to help your loved one break free from drug and alcohol addiction, Michael’s House is a drug rehab located in southern California. Call us today at 1-877-345-8494 for more information about our addiction treatment programs.
